viewshed analysis report - delaware greenways · the viewshed analysis study area focuses on the...
TRANSCRIPT
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
Delaware Greenways
February 2011
Viewshed Analysis Report
Scenic Conservation Plan,
Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................................... 1
2. Purpose and Methods ....................................................................................................................................................... 2
2.1 Viewshed Analysis—Key Component of the Scenic Conservation Plan ............................................... 2
2.2 Previous Efforts and Supporting Resources .................................................................................................... 3
2.3 Study Area ...................................................................................................................................................................... 4
2.4 Methodology .................................................................................................................................................................. 5
3. Technical Identification of Viewsheds ..................................................................................................................... 10
3.1 Existing Conditions for Key Visual Elements ................................................................................................. 10
3.2 Valuable Scenery, Vantage Points, and View Zones .................................................................................... 15
3.3 Access ............................................................................................................................................................................. 17
3.4 Protected vs. Unprotected ..................................................................................................................................... 18
3.5 Community Preferences ......................................................................................................................................... 22
4. Conclusions ......................................................................................................................................................................... 42
5. Bibliography ........................................................................................................................................................................ 44
Appendices ............................................................................................................................................................................... 46
Appendix A: Technical Analysis Details .................................................................................................................. 47
Landform Ranking: ...................................................................................................................................................... 47
Vegetation Ranking ..................................................................................................................................................... 49
Aquatic Features .......................................................................................................................................................... 52
Historic Features .......................................................................................................................................................... 54
Appendix B: Viewshed Analysis Field Day ............................................................................................................. 56
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................... 56
Field View Groups ........................................................................................................................................................ 56
Findings............................................................................................................................................................................ 59
Appendix C: List of Scenic Views from the Corridor Management Plan .................................................... 61
High-Quality Views on Kennett Pike .................................................................................................................... 61
High-Quality Views on Montchanin Road .......................................................................................................... 62
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
1
1. INTRODUCTION
In September of 2005 the Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway (BVNSB) became the first
designated National Byway in the State of Delaware. The 12.25 mile Brandywine Valley National
Scenic Byway (BVNSB) corridor contains some of the most beautiful and historically significant
roads and scenery in Delaware.
The Byway is comprised of the Kennett Pike (Route 52) and Montchanin Road (Route 100)
corridors, extending from Rodney Square in downtown Wilmington, Delaware, north to the
Delaware-Pennsylvania border. The corridor is composed of three major sections, which are: (1)
The City of Wilmington (lower Route 52 from Rodney Square to Rising Sun Lane) (2) Kennett Pike
(upper Route 52 from Rising Sun Lane to the Pennsylvania border) (3) Montchanin Road (Route
100 from Kennett Pike to the Pennsylvania border) Together, these three sections form a loop that
begins and ends in downtown Wilmington. For the purposes of this Scenic Conservation Plan, only
suburban transition and rural sections of the Kennett Pike and Montchanin Road are addressed.
The urban section of the Byway within the City of Wilmington faces significantly different issues
and challenges to scenic conservation and will be addressed in a future study.
Concurrent with this project, Delaware Greenways is completing the process required to extend the
Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway designation to include Thompson Bridge Road, Ramsey Road,
Creek Road and Smith Bridge Road. Community discussions on this extension have generated
comments that all viewsheds along each roadway within the rural area of the Brandywine Valley
should also be a part of this effort. To address this viewpoint, this Conservation Plan will treat all of
the pertinent rural roadways as if they were Byways.
A central characteristic of the
Brandywine Valley s story is a tradition
of landscape conservation. The rolling
landscape of the Brandywine Valley,
made famous by the Brandywine School
of artists and the Wyeths, has been
preserved largely due to the efforts of
prominent families such as the DuPont s
and the Bancroft s. Public parks and
private recreational facilities such as
Greenville Country Club, Biderman Golf
Course, DuPont Country Club, Vicmead
Hunt Club and Brandywine Creek State Park are each on property once owned by DuPont family
members.
Woodlawn Trustees Inc., an organization started by William Bancroft, still owns and maintains
approximately 2,000 acres of land in Brandywine Hundred and in nearby Pennsylvania. Today,
while much of that land is managed as a wildlife preserve and open space and is open to the public
View of Biderman Golf Course
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
for hiking, walking, and horseback riding, it is not protected from development. Many of the original
farms in these holdings continue in their traditional use, and thus the rural character of the
Brandywine Valley study area remains largely intact. Open fields are leased to local farmers who
are encouraged to practice soil conservation and crop rotation.
Along the northern part of the Byway corridor commercial development has been largely limited to
villages such as Centreville, with much smaller outposts in Montchanin and elsewhere. While the
area has historically been known as Chateau Country due to the number of mansions and estates, this area also contains numerous enclaves of upscale suburban homes on two acre lots scattered
throughout the Valley.
The Brandywine Valley National Scenic
Byway was nominated for the intrinsic
historic qualities found in the character of
the roadways, the adjacent landscapes,
and the cultural institutions in the Valley.
The historic values are supplemented by
natural, cultural, archaeological, and
recreational values, which collectively
create a number of unique and
outstanding views and sequences of
views. This report will examine the
multiple characteristics that contribute to
scenic quality, evaluate the qualities as
they exist today, present information about the community s visual preferences, and finally highlight views that are both highly valuable and remain susceptible to development.
Subsequent steps of the scenic conservation plan process will address the findings in this report by
investigating strategies for preservation.
Ultimately, the Scenic Conservation Plan will provide recommendations for how to preserve the
scenic beauty of the Valley as a whole, including design guidelines for the manmade, natural and
transportation environments that will guide developers, landowners, and government agencies in
their responsibilities.
2. PURPOSE AND METHODS
2.1 VIEWSHED ANALYSIS—KEY COMPONENT OF THE SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN The Scenic Conservation study and planning process was initiated due to concern for the value of Delaware s Brandywine Valley and the potential for its development. Ultimately, the product of this
work will be a Scenic Conservation Plan, which will identify a recommended path forward to
Ramsey Farm
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
protect and preserve the beauty and accessibility of the Valley and its landscapes, while providing
for sustainable growth and development.
The BVNSB Scenic Conservation Plan has three main aims, which are:
1. to maintain the character and experience of the Valley;
2. to protect property values; and
3. to provide safe, convenient access to the Valley and Byway corridor amenities and
resources for residents, businesses and visitors.
These aims are derived from the goals identified in the BVNSB Corridor Management Plan.
2.2 PREVIOUS EFFORTS AND SUPPORTING RESOURCES A number of reports exist that have documented scenic views and characteristics in the
Brandywine Valley study area and provide additional information, which have been used to help
guide this viewshed analysis. Those documents are listed below, with highlights from each report of
the most relevant information to this viewshed analysis:
Corridor Management Plan, Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway1
Prepared by Delaware Greenways, with contributions of a team of professionals led
by John Milner and Associates of West Chester, PA. Sponsored by the Delaware
Department of Transportation and the Wilmington Area Planning Commission.
Includes list of historical sites (Appendix C)
Highlights scenic views and explains that views along the Byway generally fall in the
foreground to mid-ground range, limited to distances of less than ½ mile.
Acknowledges key views from the 1987 Scenic River and Highway Study, and
revisits their importance and continued existence.
Brandywine Valley Scenic River and Highway Study2
Prepared by the staff of the New Castle Department of Planning, the predecessor to
the Department of Land Use.
Identifies and describes visually significant areas according to landscape categories,
landforms, and scenic vista points.
A chapter (pp. 36-55) is dedicated to scenic resources of the Brandywine Valley;
many of the issues identified in this study remain relevant today.
1 John Milner and Associates, Corridor Management Plan, Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway, Inc., Prepared for Delaware Greenways, Inc.
and sponsored by the Delaware Department of Transportation and the Wilmington Area Planning Council, 2005 2 New Castle County Department of Planning, Brandywine Valley Scenic River and Highway Study, 1987.
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
Scenic Stewardship: A Plan to Preserve and Enhance the Landscape of the Brandywine Valley Scenic
Byway3
Prepared for Delaware Greenways by Regional Landscape Enhancement, with
technical support by Lardner Klein & Associates. Funded by a grant from the
Delaware Department of Transportation.
Documents landscape character and provides landscape design guidelines and
priorities.
Overview of Byway Historical Development4
Prepared for Delaware Greenways by the staff of the Historical Society of Delaware.
Funded by a grant from the Delaware Department of Transportation.
Documents historic properties, identifies primary historic characteristics, and
explains their significance.
Documents historic properties and characteristics that have been lost or moved.
2.3 STUDY AREA The BVNSB Scenic
Conservation Plan is being
developed with an emphasis on
the importance of integrating
land use and transportation in
a sustainable manner. The Plan
process focuses on the land
use, scenic resources, and
roadways that make up the
BVNSB corridor and its
surroundings. To maintain
focus on the key issues that fall
into each of the three areas of
interest, a separate study area
has been delineated for each.
The three study areas are
shown in Map 2.3.A.
Map 2.3.A Scenic Conservation Plan Study Areas
3 Regional Landscape Enhancement, Scenic Stewardship: A Plan to Preserve and Enhance the Landscape of the Brandywine Valley Scenic
Byway, Prepared for Delaware Greenways, Inc. in collaboration with the Delaware Department of Transportation, 2008. 4 Historical Society of Delaware, Overview of Byway Historical Development, 2004.
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
The purpose of defining three study areas is not to keep the issues separate, but rather to aide in
organization and maintain a reasonable and focused scope of study. The primary components of the
study, which include the viewshed analysis, land use planning, and transportation planning require
consideration of different factors of influence; the geographic distribution and the complexity of
those factors vary. Consequently, the areas of study for each of the three components are different.
The Viewshed Analysis Study Area focuses on the landscape, sights, and views within
approximately 0.5 miles of the BVNSB and byway extension roads; 0.5 miles is the approximate
distance within which the eye
can detect patterns and detail
and is called the foreground
and is shown in yellow in the
figure. The immediate
foreground is the first 300 feet
(shown in magenta on the
figure) from the roadway and
the middle ground is the area
up to 4 miles from the
roadway (shown in light green
in the figure)5. Figure 2.3.B,
depicts the distance zones
along the Byway and Byway
extension. All study areas are
bound to the south by the City
of Wilmington boundary.
Figure 2.3.B Viewshed Analysis Study Area
A field review of zones noted above shows that between Route 52 and Thompson Bridge Road
(Route 92), there is only a small amount of area that is not visible from the roadways. However,
this area is visible from the trail system and the minor roads of the Valley. Accordingly, the findings
of this analysis will apply to those areas that are not highlighted, but are bound by the yellow
foreground areas.
2.4 METHODOLOGY The analysis for this plan builds on existing documentation, plans, and reports on the Study Area s scenery, by identifying the most highly valued viewsheds in the study area that are also most
susceptible to loss through development. The viewshed analysis also identifies undesirable
characteristics and views of the Byway corridor, making the forthcoming plan not only a way to
preserve and protect desirable views, but also to improve and enhance those views which currently
detract from the scenic and historic character of the Byway.
5 USDA Forest Service. Landscape Aesthetics, A Handbook for Scenery Management. Agriculture Handbook, Number 701. December
1995.
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
The viewshed analysis consists of two primary components:
a) a technical, GIS6-based analysis; and
b) a qualitative, field-based analysis
The technical analysis is based on a defined set of landscape characteristics and criteria. It was
conducted to both objectively identify the most valuable scenic landscapes/sites in the study area,
as well as to make a preliminary determination of the susceptibility of the landscape to
development. Following the technical analysis, the qualitative component is carried out to verify the
results of the technical analysis, and to gather more details relating to community preferences and
viewshed conditions. Each of the viewshed analysis components are explained in detail below.
Technical Analysis
The first step in the technical analysis was to delineate and prioritize valuable views based on
landscape characteristics. Landscape architecture, environmental management, and planning
literature provide guidelines for landscape characteristic preferences among the general
population. Visually pleasing landscape attributes cited in the literature include the presence of
water features, certain vegetation types, and varied topography.7 These and other standards offer
guidelines to identify which landscapes are most likely to be considered visually pleasing to
residents and visitors. A scenic conservation study conducted in the Old Saratoga Region of New
York was used as starting point for the technical analysis criteria.8 The Saratoga Region and the
Brandywine Valley region share outstanding historic features and also have other similar landscape
characteristics, which make the Saratoga study a good model for the BVNSB analysis. Table 2.4.A outlines the Saratoga Study s criteria, which were adapted for the BVNSB viewshed analysis. Table 2.4.A: Scenic Resources Ranking Criteria from Saratoga, NY study Landform
Distinctive (3) Predominantly undulating hills
Noteworthy (2) Gentle slopes
Common (1) Predominantly flat terrain
Vegetation
Distinctive (3) Predominantly open fields with mixed forest in the background
Noteworthy (2) Large tracts of forest/vegetation in mid-ground
Common (1) Scrub brush and non-distinct vegetation
Water
Distinctive (3) River/Creek/Lake predominant within foreground view
Noteworthy (2) River/Creek/Lake in view or small pond in view
Common (1) No water
Land Use
Distinctive (3) Agricultural land
Noteworthy (2) Parkland, open space, and natural areas
Common (1) Modern residential development and streetscapes
Cultural/Historic Character
Distinctive (3) Cultural/historic features dominate the view
Noteworthy (2) Few cultural/historic features
6 GIS is an abbreviation for Geographic Information Systems. GIS links data to a geographic location and allows complex analysis of the
geographically based data set. 7 Zube, E.H., Pitt, D.G., and T.W. Anderson (1974) Perception and Measurement of Scenic Resources in the Southern Connecticut River Valley.
Amherst: Institute for Man and His Environment, University of Massachusetts. 8 La Cour, Sarah. Battles of Saratoga Viewshed Inventory and Analysis. Accessed November 18, 2010 at:
http://www.clemson.edu/caah/cedp/cudp/pubs/alliance/13_lacour.pdf
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
Common (1) Cultural/historic features are undetectable due to abundance of non-cultural/historic
features in view
Views
Distinctive (3) Long/wide
Noteworthy (2) Medium and/or narrow
Common (1) Short
Composition
Distinctive (3) Significant unity and contrast
Noteworthy (2) Some unity, contrast, and variety
Common (1) Lack of unity, contrast, and variety
Of the above categories of landscape characteristics, those most relevant to the Brandywine Valley
study area mirror those characteristics that have helped distinguish the area as a National Scenic
Byway corridor, which are: land form; predominant vegetative cover; aquatic resources; and
historic features.
Within each category in Table 2.4.A, ranking criteria were adapted from the Saratoga study using
the literature described above. The ranking criteria were then applied using a computerized
geographic information system (GIS) and geographic based data from local sources including New
Castle County (NCC), the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental
Conservation (DNREC), and the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT). The ranking
criteria were applied to each category individually, and the individual valuation results were then
aggregated to derive the composite scenic value priorities shown in Figure 2.4.A. In all, some 400
acres were classified as
outstanding, 1,500 acres as
distinctive and 800 acres as
noteworthy. Review of the map
indicates that the viewsheds with
composite scenic value were
generally located to the west of
Route 52, along the Brandywine
Creek and within the Byway and
Byway Extension Corridors. For a
detailed description of the maps
highlighting the individual
characteristics that were
aggregated to form the composite
analysis, see Appendix A.
Figure 2.4.A Scenic Value Ranking (Composite)
Qualitative Analysis
Technical, quantitative analyses of scenic quality are helpful for initial and general identification of
valuable scenery, but they are only as good as the data sources and assumptions of the analysis
allow. Furthermore, relying on a computer to judge the quality of views ignores the effect of the less
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
tangible and more subtle influencing factors, such as human psychology and emotion. The
qualitative, field-based analysis is designed to verify the findings of the technical analysis, identify
and document the viewsheds in greater detail, and develop greater understanding of what
viewsheds and visual characteristics people prefer and why.
The approach taken in the
qualitative analysis emphasizes the
results of an on- the-ground
viewshed exercise. This exercise
took the form of a field day in which
approximately 15 volunteers were
engaged to verify and document
viewsheds identified as significant
in the technical analysis phase.
Figure 2.4.B shows zones which
were delineated around areas with
the most significant views. The field
day volunteers analyzed and
documented view zones K, L, and M,
which were chosen because they
are of a high level of visibility from
the Byway and Byway Extension
and because much of the lands
within those zones are not
protected from development.
Figure 2.4.C shows the viewshed
zones superimposed on the areas
that are not protected from
development.
The field day analysis was
conducted on Saturday, December 4,
2010 between 9:00 AM and 12:30 PM.
There was no snow on the ground and deciduous plants were without leaves. Volunteers met at the
Delaware Greenways offices for a review of the goals of the analysis and instructions for the field analysis; each volunteer filled out a preliminary form relating to the individual s background, familiarity with the study area and region, and relevant special knowledge. (Over half of the
volunteers pass through the study at least monthly.) Prior to leaving for the field analysis, groups of
four to five were assembled and roles—including photographer, recorder, and guide—were
assigned to group members. Groups then drove in one vehicle to their assigned study area(s) and
were asked to identify and photograph particularly scenic views, any unpleasant views, and any
Figure 2.4.B Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway View Zones
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
characteristics of the scenery that were particularly pleasant or unpleasant. Each group was given a
set of maps to record views being photographed and a form to fill out as a group relating to the
scenery. The full questionnaires and forms that guided the work of the volunteers are found in
Appendix B. The forms were designed to gain the perspectives and opinions of the volunteers
regarding:
Most valuable views to the community or subgroups within the community
Undesirable characteristics
How areas can be visually
enhanced
How views are (or are not)
accessed
At what rate of speed views
are seen
Who typically sees the views
How accessibility of views
can be enhanced
What characteristics of the
landscape should be
promoted in certain
development contexts
The groups were told that the
analysis process could be adapted
by each group as desired to insure each volunteer s input was
accounted for. Accordingly, each
group adopted a slightly different
strategy for the analysis, but
ultimately answered the questions
posed and effectively photographed
the study area.
In finishing out the field day
analysis, group members returned
to the Delaware Greenways offices
to turn in forms, maps, and
photographs, fill out a post-field visit
form, and have a brief closing discussion about the field visit. The results from the viewshed
analysis field day are summarized in the Findings sections, below, and are presented as turned in by
each group in Appendix B.
Figure 2.4.C Protection Status of Valuable Views
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
3. TECHNICAL IDENTIFICATION OF VIEWSHEDS
3.1 EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR KEY VISUAL ELEMENTS
Topography
The landform of the BVNSB
study area is predominantly
rolling hills. The steepest
slopes are primarily located
along the Brandywine Creek
and elevation changes are
generally more dramatic at the
northern portion of the study
area, as shown in Figure 3.1.A.
In general, Route 52 (Kennett
Pike) and Route 202 (Concord
Pike) follow areas of higher
elevation with the Brandywine
Creek following areas of
lowest elevation.
Landform in the BVNSB study
area impacts the scenery and
sightlines, which present
implications for scenic
conservation. Figure 3.1.B
shows the landscapes visible
from the Byway based on the
land contours. Other elements
like stands of trees, buildings
could also block the view from
the Byway. Some of these
other elements can be seen the
other maps used in the
analysis.
Figure 3.1.A Steep Slopes
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
Natural Environment—vegetation and natural areas
Much of the study area is comprised of natural vegetation, including mixed forest cover, managed
landscapes (e.g. golf courses, parks, etc.), low growth grasses and shrubs, and crops/pastureland.
Figure 3.1.C shows the distribution of the natural land cover in the study area9). Within the study
area, 3,950 acres are forested, 1,350 acres are designated for recreational uses and 2,500 acres are
pastures or farmed.
A number of state designated natural areas also exist within the study area. DNREC publishes and
maintains an inventory of State Resource Areas under the State Resource Area program. The
program identifies the most important natural open space lands which are valuable for their
natural, cultural, and geological significance, and then aims to permanently preserve them through
various preservation techniques and mechanisms.
DNREC also identifies Natural Areas under their Delaware Natural Areas program. The areas are
designated for their statewide significance of the natural qualities they exhibit. Many of the areas
are protected to various degrees through public programs or private voluntary efforts. Not all
areas, however, are officially designated or protected. Natural Areas within the study area are
9 Delaware DataMIL, 2007 data.
Figure 3.1.B Visibility of the Byway Based on Landform
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
identified in the map below, and more information regarding them can be found in the Corridor
Management Plan10.
Figure 3.1.D shows the State Resource Areas and Natural Areas. Within the study area, there are
approximately 3,500 acres of significant natural areas as designated by DNREC. Approximately 300
acres additional land adjoining those areas is State Designated Resource Areas.
Water Resources
The Brandywine Creek is a defining feature of the study area. It runs roughly north to south,
bisecting the study area (see Figure 3.1.E). The creek is the driving force of the landscape that
surrounds it. Throughout history the creek has shaped the landforms as well as the land uses in the
Valley and is the ultimate source of the scenic and historic values that merit preservation today.
The 100 year floodplain of the Brandywine Creek, shown in Figure 3.1.E, spreads beyond the
creek s banks into the flatlands adjacent to the creek. Very little development has occurred in the
100 year floodplain, though some older properties developed prior to the County s Unified Development Code floodplain regulations were established are located within floodplain
boundaries. Smaller tributaries of the Brandywine Creek and other water bodies are present
throughout the study area and are also sources of scenic and natural value. Within the study area
there are approximately 550 acres of land covered by water and/or the 100 year floodplain.
10 Op. Cit, Corridor Management Plan, Chapter 5, Page 5-27.
Figure 3.1.C Vegetative Land Cover
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
Historic/Cultural Features
An abundance of historic, cultural, and archaeological features are located within the study area.
Figure 3.1.F identifies National Register Historic sites and districts, by name, as well as the location
of additional buildings, structures, sites, and objects on Delaware s cultural resource survey (an
inventory of those items constructed/erected prior to 1945).
Within the study area, there are 24 sites on the national Historic Register and 369 state inventoried
cultural resource survey sites.
Figure 3.1.D State Designated Natural and Resource Areas Figure 3.1.E Water Resources
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
Figure 3.1.F Historic and Cultural Features
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
3.2 VALUABLE SCENERY, VANTAGE POINTS, AND VIEW ZONES
Areas of high scenic value are
scattered throughout the study
area and can be seen in Figure
3.2.A. The areas of high scenic
value are highlighted in red,
orange, and yellow, and were
identified and ranked using a
quantitative, computer based
analysis based on landscape
characteristics as part of the
technical analysis. Areas in red
received highest scenic value
scores in the technical analysis,
followed by orange and yellow. In
general, these areas were
identified for their noteworthy
scenic value because of proximity
to historic sites, water bodies,
natural land cover, and varied
landform.
Not only is it important to identify
prime scenery, but it is also
necessary to identify vantage
points from which the scenery is
most visible. These vantage points
are likely to be areas of high
elevation with low or no
vegetation or clearings in
vegetation. Figure 3.2.B identifies
likely vantage points in the study
area based on GIS analysis of
elevation.
Those areas that appeared higher
than the surrounding land and which also appear clear of vegetative or structural obstructions are
identified by a yellow dot. Areas highlighted in orange are the highest in elevation in the study area,
defined as more than 400 feet above sea level.
Figure 3.2.A Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway View Zones
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
Figure 3.2.B Areas of High Elevation and Likely Vantage Points
The technical analysis rankings map (Figure 3.2.A) reveals the following with regard to creating the
Scenic Conservation Plan for the BVNSB Corridor:
Valuable scenery exists throughout the study area.
Scenery of highest value in the study area is located primarily along the Brandywine Creek
Clusters of highly valuable scenery exist in the following places within the viewshed study
area:
o Montchanin (View Zone I)
o Winterthur (View Zone G)
o Centreville (View Zone F)
o Adams Dam Road (View Zones J and K)
o Smith Bridge Road (View Zone L)
o Brandywine Creek State Park (View Zone N)
o Beaver Dam Road and Beaver Valley Road (View Zone M)
A number of highly ranked scenic views exist within the general land use study area, but
outside of the Byway viewshed study area; these views will not be assessed beyond the
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
technical analysis in the Scenic Conservation Plan, however, they are important to consider
for maintaining the overall scenic quality of the larger area. The protection of these
viewsheds should be promoted as if they too were in the study area11.
3.3 ACCESS
In addition to the number of
particularly valuable views identified
in the study area, a second and
equally important characteristic is the
ability to access, as appropriate, these
beautiful areas. Access by car, bicycle,
on foot, and even by kayak and canoe
are popular ways that these views are
accessed and enjoyed. Volunteers
participating in the qualitative
viewshed analysis field day
overwhelmingly identified proximity
to urban Wilmington and accessibility
as two highly valuable aspects of the
BVNSB corridor. Many volunteers
also acknowledged accessing the
study area numerous times per year
on foot or by bicycle.
Figure 3.3.A shows trails, walkways,
and bikeways in the study area.
While volunteers felt the BVNSB
landscapes and scenery were
accessible, they also felt that access to
BVNSB corridor and its views could be
improved. Suggestions to improve
access included:
11 A number of these viewsheds are located in the Red Clay Valley Scenic Byway area. This Byway is a unique interconnected and
interdependent network of 28 roads in New Castle County linked to the Red Clay Creek and its watershed. It is a complex network that
conforms to the contours of the land mimicking the stream system. Red Clay Valley displays spectacular natural areas first described by
the Delaware Nature Society in the mid-1970s as Red Clay Ravine, Red Clay Creek, Burrows Run, Coverdale Woods, and Red Clay
Reservation. These natural areas sustain an abundance of plants and animals and contain some of the richest old growth forest in the Red
Clay Creek watershed.
Figure 3.3.A Trails, Sidewalks, Parks and Public Open Space
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
Improving non-motorized access by improving safety and increasing trail access.
Adding automobile accessible scenic overlooks (a safety feature as much as an amenity)
3.4 PROTECTED VS. UNPROTECTED
Many acres of land in the BVNSB corridor are enrolled in some form of preservation. Figure 3.4.A
shows the protection status of the lands in the study area. Table 3.4.A lists areas of high scenic
value in the study area and identifies the status of the preservation and the tools used if
preservation is in effect.
Figure 3.4.A Protection Status of Valuable Views
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
Each of the preservation tools affords different levels of protection. The level of protection afforded
and the major characteristics and requirements of the various types of preservation tools in use in
the BVNSB study area and on the properties noted in the table is summarized below.
Permanent Protection:
Publicly-owned Parks and Open Space
Thousands of acres of land in the study area have been acquired through fee simple
purchase or donation for park and open space protection. Funding for these lands have
been secured through various state and federal sources, and these lands are owned and
managed by the State, County, or local governing bodies. Development on these properties
Table 3.4.A Protection Status of Significant Views
Location Protection Status Source
Lunger Mansion Unprotected Corridor Management Plan
Oberod Estate Partially under conservation
easement Corridor Management Plan
Lower Brandywine Church and Cemetery Unprotected Corridor Management Plan
Historic Nichol's farm and barn (NW corner
of intersection at Pyles Ford Rd. and Route
52)
Unprotected Corridor Management Plan
Twin Lakes property Unprotected
Winterthur Museum and Gardens Conservation easement Corridor Management Plan, Viewshed
Analysis
Wilmington Country Club Unprotected Corridor Management Plan
Great Broadloaf Hill (intersection of
Montchanin Rd., Adams Dam Rd., and
Thompson Bridge Rd.)
Unprotected Corridor Management Plan
Canby Park
National Register Historic
District designation; public
open space designation
Corridor Management Plan
Brandywine Creek State Park Public open space designation Corridor Management Plan
Intersection of Montchanin Rd. and Smiths
Bridge Rd. North quadrant protected
Corridor Management Plan, Viewshed
Analysis
Twaddell Mill Rd. and Montchanin Rd.
intersection Unprotected Corridor Management Plan
Jamie Wyeth Estate Unprotected Viewshed Analysis
Granogue Estate
Small portion under
agricultural preservation
easement
Viewshed Analysis
Smith Bridge and surrounding landscape majority under conservation
easement Viewshed Analysis
Waterfall and creek (Beaver Dam Rd.
between Ridge Rd. and Beaver Valley Rd.)
Small portion protected under
conservation easement Viewshed Analysis
Old mill house (Beaver Valley Rd. at Beaver
Dam Rd.) Unprotected Viewshed Analysis
Woodlawn Trustees property (bounded by
Beaver Dam Rd., Beaver Valley Rd., Creek
Rd., and Ramsey Rd.)
Unprotected Viewshed Analysis
Brandywine Creek (along Creek Rd.) Unprotected Viewshed Analysis
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
must comport with the terms under which funding was secured and further the mission of
the managing agency, and is subject to all federal, state and local permitting and approval
processes.
Conservation Easement
A conservation easement is a restriction placed on a piece of property to protect its
associated resources. The easement is either voluntarily donated or sold by the landowner
and constitutes a legally binding agreement that limits certain types of uses or prevents
development from taking place on the land in perpetuity while the land remains in private
hands. Conservation easements protect land for future generations while allowing owners
to retain many private property rights and to live on and use their land, at the same time
potentially providing them with tax benefits.
In a conservation easement, a landowner voluntarily agrees to sell or donate certain rights
associated with his or her property – often the right to subdivide or develop – and a private
organization or public agency agrees to hold the right to enforce the landowner's promise
not to exercise those rights. In essence, the rights are forfeited and no longer exist.
An easement selectively targets only those rights necessary to protect specific conservation
values, such as water quality or migration routes, and is individually tailored to meet a
landowner's needs. Because the land remains in private ownership, with the remainder of
the rights intact, an easement property continues to provide economic benefits for the area
in the form of jobs, economic activity and property taxes.
A conservation easement is legally binding, whether the property is sold or passed on to
heirs. Because use is permanently restricted, land subject to a conservation easement may
be worth less on the open market than comparable unrestricted and developable parcels.
Sometimes conservation easements will enable the landowner to qualify for tax benefits in
compliance with Internal Revenue Service rules. In this study area, easements are held by
organizations that include the Delaware Nature Society, the Brandywine Conservancy,
Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, and the North
American Land Trust.
Agricultural Preservation Easement
Agricultural Preservation programs exist at both the State level and in New Castle County.
At the state level, the Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Foundation preserves
farms - the cornerstone of rural Delaware. The Foundation, which is staffed and supported
by the Delaware Department of Agriculture, preserves historic structures, wildlife habitats,
important environmental features, wetlands, and forests, as well as setting aside,
permanently, the critical farmland for future generations of Delawareans.
The Foundation s Agricultural Easement program is a permanent conservation program in
which the Farmland Preservation Foundation purchases development rights from
landowners and imposes a permanent agricultural conservation easement on the land. Land
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
must first be in an Agricultural Preservation District before the owner can apply to sell the
development rights.
New Castle County has, in past years, also acquired easements for the purpose of
agricultural land preservation. This activity has not occurred in recent years due to
budgetary cuts.
Limited Protection:
Agricultural Conservation District
The Delaware Agriculture Lands Preservation Foundation also features an Agricultural
Preservation District program, which was established under the Delaware Agricultural
Lands Preservation Act. The District program works (as described by the Delaware
Department of Agriculture) as follows:
A district is a voluntary agreement to use land only for agricultural purposes for at
least a ten year period. Land must yield a minimum farm income, satisfy a scoring
system standard, and undergo a review and approval process. Almost any size farm
anywhere in the state can qualify. There is no payment to the landowner for creating
the district. However, there are several benefits to landowners in an agricultural
district. The unimproved land in the district is exempt from real estate transfer,
county, and school taxes. There are significant protections against nuisance suits for
land in the district. Landowners are permitted limited residential uses. Permitted
agricultural used include but are not limited to: crop production, herd animal and
poultry operations, horse operations, forest production, non-commercial hunting,
trapping and fishing, and agricultural eco-tourism operations, as well as farm markets
and roadside stands.
Hometown Overlay
The Hometown Overlay designation is a protection mechanism overseen by New Castle
County which allows local communities to develop guidelines for development and design
for the designated local area. The Hometown Overlay District is intended to perpetuate and
enhance the character of early settlement areas, hamlets, villages, and pre-World War II
subdivisions. Many of these communities have unique characteristics that do not conform to
modern zoning standards, but still possess qualities making them viable and attractive
places to live and work. The purpose of the overlay district is to ensure that infill,
redevelopment, and changes to the zoning pattern are compatible with the existing
community. Each district will require its own community redevelopment plan that may
address such issues as land use, dimensional characteristics, protected resources, and
amenities, and other features, as appropriate. Future development will conform to the
established character of the community as defined in the plan instead of adhering strictly to
modern zoning standards. Communities in the unincorporated areas of the county
identified in Chapter 10 of the 1997 New Castle County Comprehensive Development Plan
Update as well as Claymont; and, incorporated areas regulated by the UDC are currently
eligible for the overlay district.
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
Density Bonuses
Many jurisdictions preserve open space by allowing developers a greater number of
development entitlements for a given tract of land. These density bonuses encourage
developers to design plans that preserve open space by clustering a more dense
development away from the most important areas of open space. In New Castle County, the
Unified Development Code (UDC) provides density bonuses for development plans that
preserve significant amounts of open space.
Minimal Protection:
National Register of Historic Preservation
The National Register of Historic Preservation is administered by the National Park Service
with the purpose of protecting historically significant sites nominated by the State Historic
Preservation Office. Under the federal regulations, there are no restrictions on what a
property owner may do with the property. In Delaware, there are no laws protecting
historic property from development, per se, however, under the state s Preliminary Land Use Service (PLUS) program the State Historic Preservation Office reviews development
proposals that may impact historic properties and makes recommendations regarding ways
to avoid or minimize negative effects that development will have on the historic property.
The study area contains numerous National Register Historic Sites and Districts (see Figure
3.1.G). Historic districts delineate larger areas, within which properties are subject to the
same rules and procedures as properties given the individual historic site designations.
3.5 COMMUNITY PREFERENCES
Valuable views
The outcome from the viewshed analysis field day verified the findings from the technical analysis:
valuable views are scattered throughout the study area. Further, field day analysis volunteers
brought to light the fact that most, if not all of the scenery is of high value and worth preserving,
and it is the views and landscapes in aggregate that make the BVNSB and its surroundings such a
unique experience.
Volunteers familiar with some of the iconic scenes of the Brandywine Valley, such as the Winterthur
Estate, felt that the views they saw during the field day analyses were of the same high quality as
those that are protected and maintained at Winterthur. [Note: the viewshed field day analysis
addressed views in view zones K, L, and M, located in the northeast portion of the study area.]
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
Figure 3.5.A Significant Vantage Points and Views
Views and viewpoints
identified through all
resources consulted as well as
during the field day are shown
in Figure 3.5.A. Each view
identified during the field day
is numbered and
corresponding photographs
subsequently presented in
Figure 3.5.B. The numbers in
the figure correspond with the
photographs that follow.
Figure 3.5.B Key to Viewshed Photographs
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
View 1
Vista from Woodlawn Trustees property looking west toward Granogue over the Brandywine Creek
View of Ramsey Farm (foreground) and Granogue tower (background) as seen from the Woodlawn Trustees property
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
View from Woodlawn Trustees property looking west/southwest toward Ramsey Farm
This view is especially beautiful when leaves are off the trees, as layers of landscape (hills, valleys,
different textures from different vegetative cover) can be seen.
View 2
View looking east at boarded up farm house on Woodlawn Trustees property
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
View 3
Vista of Brandywine Valley emerging from woods on crest of hill on Woodlawn Trustees property (looking west)
View 4
View of horse farm barn along Beaver Dam Road
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
View 5
View southwest from trail near the old mill house on the Woodlawn Trustees property
View 6
View from Beaver Valley Road looking southwest at farm
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
View 7
View looking down Beaver Valley Road from top of hill
View 8
View of old mill house at intersection of Beaver Valley Road and Beaver Dam Road (looking west)
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
View of intersection of Beaver Valley Road and Beaver Dam Road looking northeast (old mill house just below the
grassy hill in the foreground)
View 9
View of the water fall on north side of Beaver Dam Road
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
View 10
View of creek on south side of Beaver Dam Road
View of grassy roadside along creek (Beaver Dam Road on the right side of frame)
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
View 11
View of Smith Bridge from east side of Brandywine Creek
View 12
View of floodplain along west side of Brandywine Creek
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
View 13
View toward Granogue property looking southwest along Smith Bridge Road
View 14
View toward Granogue from railroad track, looking southeast
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
View of Granogue property from railroad, looking southeast
View 15
View of Granogue looking east from the driveway to the mansion
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
View 16
Vista of the Brandywine Valley from the tower at edge of Granogue property
View 17
Granogue tower with vista of Brandywine Valley in the background looking east
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
View of Granogue from tower looking east
View 18
View of Biderman Golf Course from Adams Dam Road looking west
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
View of Biderman Golf Course looking east from Adams Dam Road
View of Biderman Golf Course
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
View 19
View of Brandywine Creek from Creek Road and Ramsey Road intersection
The most notable findings from the viewshed field day analysis are:
The quality of the Byway s physical and visual experience comes from the contiguous nature
of quaint, historic, undeveloped landscapes; the Brandywine Valley is one of few areas in
this region with so many scenic, historic, and natural areas in close proximity to one
another and in such high concentration
Many of the scenic views have limited accessibility; access was either precluded because it
could only be viewed from private property, or because it could only be seen safely from a
moving automobile.
Trails along the Brandywine Creek and near Ramsey Farm in the northeast portion of the
study area are heavily used by walkers, bicyclists, joggers, and horseback riders.
Analysis of Zones K, L, and M revealed that views of the Granogue estate in the northeastern
portion of the study area (View Zone L] are the most valued; all teams identified Granogue
as the highest value viewshed.
Analysis of Zones K, L, and M revealed that volunteers prefer long views/vistas.
Many viewsheds that can be seen in winter months when the leaves are off the trees are not
likely able to be seen in summer months, which implies that while long views and vistas are
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
highly valuable aesthetics in the leaf-off months, aesthetic details and immediate
roadside/trailside views will be of most scenic value in the summer (leaf-on) months.
The viewshed analysis field day did not cover all of the areas identified with valuable, threatened
views. The following View Zones that fall within the viewshed analysis study area have yet to be
verified in the field: A, F, G, H, I, J, N, P (see Figure 3.2.A).
The individual landscape characteristics used for ranking viewsheds in the technical analysis
(landform, vegetation, water resources, and historic/cultural features) accurately predicted the
general areas in which views are particularly scenic, according to volunteer feedback from the
viewshed field day. However, it was clear from feedback that the wider setting, sequence of views,
and viewshed expanse are factors influencing scenic quality, but is not accounted for in the
technical analysis. Consequently, any technical analysis findings that do not also factor in field
verification may be able to identify the general vicinity in which views are particularly beautiful,
but will lack specificity, especially with regard to context. If possible, all View Zones should be field
verified.
Additional information regarding the views that were not assessed during the viewshed field day
can be gleaned from previous studies. The following is a list of views and characteristics identified
in other past planning documents cited at the beginning of this document. The CMP provides a
good description of the many viewsheds not field verified on viewshed analysis field day12.
Along Kennett Pike
Twin Lakes property
Canby Park (in Centreville)
Lower Brandywine Church
Snuff Mill Road
Wilmington Country Club and Winterthur
Along Montchanin Road
Brandywine Creek State Park/Winterthur at Adams Dam Road
At Smith s Bridge Road
At Twaddell Mill Road
Desirable visual elements
Viewshed analysis volunteers identified and documented some examples of elements of the
landscape and built environment that are pleasing and may provide examples for design guidelines
to be incorporated in to management and implementation components of the Scenic Conservation
Plan.
12 Op. Cit., Corridor Management Plan, Pages 5-21 through 5-23.
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
The following list represents volunteers responses to the question what is the single most memorable/valuable/significant viewshed/visual element of the Byway : Open land and twisting, winding roads (See photo from Group 2)
View on peak across form Ramsey Farm looking over valley to Granogue
Nature and wildlife
View of Granogue
The walk to the spot overlooking Winterthur and Biderman Golf Courses
Creek road and Brandywine Creek State Park
The general responses volunteers gave regarding what they value about the Byway views and
visual elements was elaborated upon when volunteers went into the study area to document details
of their preferences. The following is a list of those elements:
The boulders demarking the
parking lot east of the
intersection of Beaver Valley and
Beaver Dam Roads are a nice
aesthetic; the natural material
blends well with the context.
Boulders like those shown in the
picture above are used
throughout the study area to
denote boundaries, border
parking lots and denote special
areas.
The grassy area next to the creek and separated from the road by the boulders offers non-
motorized travelers a place of refuge. Using a grassy walkway and Boulders to delineate a
walkway rather than asphalt
helps keep the area looking
natural and rustic, while also
providing for pedestrian safety.
While there is a small parking
area at a scenic part of Beaver
Valley Road, along the majority
of the road there is no place to
safely park on the roadside and
there are no pedestrian facilities
leaving much of the road
inaccessible to pedestrians.
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
Zone M areas were well
insulated from the
noise and busyness of
the developed areas
(i.e. Route 202 and
shopping strip) within a
half mile to the east;
forested areas provided
visual and auditory
insulation. Maintaining
forested buffers of
sufficient width will
provide a solution for
accommodating
development as well as
protecting the Byway
character.
Undesirable visual elements
Viewshed analysis volunteers also identified and documented specific visual elements found in the
study area that detracts from scenic quality. The following undesirable elements that take away
from the experience of the BVNSB landscapes include:
Unsightly, degraded
reinforced shoulder at
Montchanin Road and
Thompsons Bridge Road
Overabundance of signage (both
traffic signage and commercial
signage) at Montchanin Road and
Thompsons Bridge Road
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
Railroad bridge covered with graffiti
crossing Adams Dam Road northwest of
intersection with Montchanin Road
The approximately 15 foot high wooden
and chain link fence along Beaver Dam
Road, and the stagnant water and litter
are particularly unpleasant. Private
property/no trespassing signs were
posted all along the fence.
Unsightly Jersey barriers on
Thompson Bridge Road at
Brandywine Creek State Park
Using a natural material for bridges
and guardrails would be more
aesthetically pleasing.
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
Other undesirable areas were mentioned by Committee members that were not in the specific area
of the viewsheds investigated and documented at the field view. On in particular that was
mentioned was the section of Mt. Lebanon Road as it approaches the village of Rockland.
The following comments for improving enjoyment of the BVNSB s scenic beauty were repeated in viewshed questionnaires filled in by the volunteers:
Make roadways safer for bicyclists and pedestrians
More trails, and more sidewalk, trail, and secondary road connections
Create parking/pull-off zones at or near the best views
More interpretive signs describing the historic/natural/cultural significance of the views
Reducing the amount or and/or restricting the type of signage
Make roadways safer for pedestrians and cyclists
4. CONCLUSIONS
The technical and qualitative analyses conclude that the viewsheds of the Brandywine Valley are
significant both individually and collectively. In fact, the viewshed field day volunteers were clear
that while they thought some viewsheds like Granougue could be considered more important than
others, all were important and should be preserved to the extent possible and if preservation is not
possible, each should be protected with good design. Many viewsheds that can be seen in winter
months when the leaves are off the trees are not likely able to be seen in summer months, which
implies that while long views and vistas are highly valuable aesthetics in the leaf-off months,
aesthetic details and immediate roadside/trailside views will be of most scenic value in the summer
(leaf-on) months.
The field views of the study area were replete with elements of good design and examples of how
good design can be applied. Also evident was that a definition of sustainability was not complete if it didn t include preservation of the intrinsic values of the viewsheds. The following specific conclusions were derived from the technical analysis and the work of the viewshed volunteers:
Highly valuable viewsheds identified in this study that are not protected or are under-
protected should be considered for placement in total or in part into a preservation
program in a fashion that preserves the value of the land for the underlying landowners,
including::
o Portions of the Granogue estate
o Biderman Golf Course
o Woodlawn Trustees land
o Ramsey Farm
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
Viewpoints identified in this study should be field verified and protected as part of any
development plan.
Additional field verification of other View Zones in the BVNSB study area should be
undertaken as the study proceeds and thereafter including scenery along trails.
Landscapes that buffer developed areas from valuable views help achieve sustainable
development. Buffer zones should be identified and protected or enhanced. One example is
the areas east of the vantage point in Zone M, where the crest of a hill and a tract of trees
separate the views of the Brandywine Valley from the developments along Route 202 to the
east.
The possibility of a Rail-with-Trail line along the track of the East Penn Railroad that runs
adjacent to Granogue should be explored.
Explore the possibility of paving the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail spur between Ramsey Rd and Thompson s Bridge Road to improve access and usability for additional
modes and users (e.g. skateboards, rollerblades, wheelchairs, etc.); some feel that this
would detract from the natural/rustic character of the surroundings, so consider
conducting a survey or focus group of populations that are currently excluded to determine
the value of paving the path.
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
5. BIBLIOGRAPHY Balling, John D., and John H. Falk. Development of visual preference for natural environments.
Environment and Behavior, Volume 14 No. 1. January 1982.
Blau, David H., Michael C. Bowie, and Frank Hunsaker. Visual resource inventory and Imnaha Valley study: Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. Brown, Terry, Tim Keane, and Stephen Kaplan. Aesthetics and management: Bridging the gap. Landscape and Urban Planning, 13(1986), 1-10.
La Cour, Sarah. Battles of Saratoga Viewshed Inventory and Analysis. Accessed November 18, 2010
at: http://www.clemson.edu/caah/cedp/cudp/pubs/alliance/13_lacour.pdf
Suh, Won-Woo. Assessment of Visual Resources Desirable for Tourism and Recreational Uses along the
Site of Lake Choon-Chon in Korea. USDA Forest Service. Landscape Aesthetics, A Handbook for Scenery Management. Agriculture
Handbook, Number 701. December 1995.
Zube, E.H., Pitt, D.G., and T.W. Anderson (1974) Perception and Measurement of Scenic Resources in
the Southern Connecticut River Valley. Amherst: Institute for Man and His Environment,
University of Massachusetts.
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
APPENDICES
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
APPENDIX A: TECHNICAL ANALYSIS DETAILS
Each of the four categories (land form, vegetation, historic features, and aquatic features) that were
combined to create the composite scenic value ranking map characteristics were identified and
evaluated using a computer-based Geographic Information System. The categories were
individually analyzed on a scale of one to three based on a set of decision rules, with a higher
number indicating greater scenic value. The decision rules and resulting scenic quality rankings are
provided below.
LANDFORM RANKING:
The scenic value of landform characteristics in the study area were ranked according to the slope
(or elevational change) of the land. The ranking criteria are shown in Table A. Map A shows the
scenic value of the landscape according to its landform.
Table A: Landform Criteria
Slope %* Scenic Value Value ranking
5-12% notable 1
12-25% distinctive 2
25 % + outstanding 3
* A 25% slope is a slope that rises 25 feet vertically in 100 feet
horizontally.
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
Map A
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
VEGETATION RANKING
The scenic value of vegetative land cover was determined based on vegetation type, area of
contiguous coverage of that vegetation type, and the distance at which the vegetation is located
from the viewer. The criteria used to rank the vegetative land cover types are defined in Table B.
Table B: Vegetation Criteria
TYPE* AREA PROXIMITY
Immediate
(within 300
ft.)
Foreground
(300ft - 0.5
mile)
Mid-ground
(0.5 - 4 miles)
Forest
> or = 10 acres Notable Outstanding Outstanding
< 10 acres, > or = 5
acres Notable Distinctive Distinctive
< 5 acres Notable Notable Notable
Pasture
> or = 10 acres Outstanding Outstanding Outstanding
< 10 acres, > or = 5
acres Outstanding Distinctive Notable
< 5 acres Outstanding Notable Notable
Rangeland**
> or = 10 acres Outstanding Outstanding Outstanding
< 10 acres, > or = 5
acres Outstanding Distinctive Notable
< 5 acres Outstanding Notable Notable
Recreational***
> or = 10 acres Notable Distinctive Distinctive
< 10 acres, > or = 5
acres Notable Notable Notable
< 5 acres Notable Notable Notable
Marsh
> or = 10 acres Notable Distinctive Distinctive
< 10 acres, > or = 5
acres Distinctive Distinctive Notable
< 5 acres Notable Notable Notable
* Land Cover information acquired through the Delaware DataMIL and is based on aerial
imagery taken in the summer of 2007
** unmanicured shrubs, grasses, and other low growth vegetation
***includes golf courses, parks, and other manicured vegetation
All areas with predominantly vegetative land cover were at least given a ranking of notable (worth
a value of 1 on a scale from zero to three). Forest, rangeland, and pasture received higher rankings
overall, as studies show that such vegetation types are often preferred.
Areas not defined as primarily vegetative by the 2007 Land Use and Land Cover data set13,
including suburban areas with vegetation and buildings, were given a ranking of zero. Although
some suburban developments and other lands with buildings may contain significant vegetation
13 Data sourced from the state s primary GIS online data repository Delaware DataMIL
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
that contributes to positive scenic landscape values, the technical analysis did not distinguish such
details. The scenic beauty of those areas will be considered in the qualitative portion of the
viewshed analysis.
The US Forest Service s handbook for scenery management US Department of Agriculture, 1 5 provided much of the rationale for the proximity criteria in the vegetation category. The handbook
defines the qualities of scenery at different distances, which affect how the scenery impacts visual
quality, as follows:
Immediate Foreground (approx. 300 ft.)—fine detail is perceived
Foreground (300 ft.- 0.5 mile)—Shapes, sizes, and relationships between individual
elements define scenic quality
Middle Ground (0.5 mile – 4 mile)—patterns and topography define the visual quality
Background (4 miles +)—color, large patterns, and topography define scenic quality
The size of the contiguous patch of a vegetation type and its viewing distance were ranked based on
theories of visual composition. For example, larger forested patches often provide a picturesque
backdrop (i.e. when seen at a distance); however, up-close views in a forest are often less valuable
as views are limited by the dense vegetation.
Given the context of the BVNSB corridor and the study area, the background view is not factored into the technical analysis, as the majority of land cover at distances beyond four miles is highly
developed, with the exception of land to the north in Pennsylvania. Efforts should be made, however, to collaborate with counterparts in Pennsylvania s Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway Commission to identify and protect valuable scenery that impacts the background condition of
views in Delaware, as well as the overall cohesiveness of the bi-state Scenic Byway corridor.
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
Map B
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
AQUATIC FEATURES
Aquatic features rankings were derived based on the accepted standard that views with water are
particularly picturesque. Therefore, any areas within 800 feet of a water feature received at least a
ranking of Notable (numerical ranking of 1). Larger water features (area greater than 0.5 acres)
received the highest ranking, while smaller lakes and ponds, or streams, received lower rankings.
The criteria are listed in Table C and rankings for scenic quality with regards to aquatic features are
shown in Map C.
Table C: Aquatic Features Criteria
TYPE SIZE PROXIMITY
Within 200 ft. 200-800 ft. away
Lake, pond,
river/creek < 0.5 acres Distinctive Notable
Lake, pond,
river/creek 0.5 acres + Outstanding Outstanding
stream undefined Distinctive Notable
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
Map C
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
HISTORIC FEATURES
The scenic value of the landscape based on historic features was determined based on the decision
rules given in Table D. The areas with most scenic value based only on historic features are shown
in Map D.
Historic site locations and data were acquired from the State Office of Historic Preservation. GIS
data layers of National Register sites contained very specific attribute information, including the
site name and associated dates. All other historic sites come from the state s historic site inventory, which are only identified by a database number; other information about the historic quality of the
sites could not be obtained for this analysis.
Table D: Historic and Cultural Characteristics Criteria
Areas within 500 feet of 1-4 sites that are clustered
within 1000ft of next nearest site, no National
Register sites, and not in National Register historic
district
Notable
Areas within 500 feet of 5-10 sites that are clustered
within 1000 feet of next nearest site, or a National
Register site standing alone (not within 500 feet or a
cluster)
Distinctive
Areas within 500 feet of a site located within
National Register historic district, or within 500 feet
of a cluster of more than 10 sites within 1000 ft. of
nearest site (either including or not including a
National Register site)
Outstanding
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
Map D
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
APPENDIX B: VIEWSHED ANALYSIS FIELD DAY
INTRODUCTION
The Field Day involved a brief training session, followed by two hours of site visits, and a follow-up
discussion and questionnaire.
A total of 11 volunteers participated in the analysis, which took place on Saturday, December 4,
2010. Volunteers were all from northern New Castle County, but the demographic composition of
the group varied with regard to familiarity with the study area and special knowledge relevant to
scenic conservation issues. The gender make-up was 50% male and 50% female. Group
assignments and information obtained from the preliminary survey of volunteers are provided in
the list below. Information about the volunteers was provided by the volunteer.
FIELD VIEW GROUPS
Group 1: Zone K and L
Guide: Bob Weiner (resides at corner of Silverside and Foulk Roads.; Resident of Delaware
for most of his life; ancestors arrived in Delaware in 1892; County Councilperson for eastern
portion of study area; expertise in land use law, development, smart growth)
Photographer: Jaynine Warner
Recorder: Ellie Maroney (resident of Centreville; has resided in Delaware entire life; in the
study area every day, going anywhere/everywhere)
Recorder: James Willson (resident of New Castle; has resided in Delaware for five years;
travels through the study area occasionally; expertise in bicycling)
Group 2: Zone L and M
Guide: Jeff Greene (Delaware Greenways staff)
Photographer: Sally DeWees (Resident of Centreville; has lived in DE for 20 years;
frequently uses the study area for shopping, visiting friends, taking children to school;
expertise in nature/wildlife and photography)
Recorder: Miguel Pena (Resides near intersection of Foulk and Silverside Roads; has lived in
Delaware for 38 years; travels through study area primarily to avoid Route 202)
Recorder: Jack Hunt
Group 3: Zone M and K (only were able to review zone M)
Guide: Andrea Trabelsi (Delaware Greenways staff)
Photographer: Winnie Li (Resides adjacent to Brandywine Town Center; resident for less
than one year; has only traveled in the study area a few times for hiking and biking)
Photographer: David Zylstra (Resident of Wilmington for approximately 10 years; bicycles
regularly in study area; artist)
Recorder: Janet Kilpatrick (Resident of Hockessin; serves on New Castle County Council;
lived in Delaware for 30 years)
Recorder: Paul Morrill (resident of Delaware City; DE resident for 23 years; has traveled to
the study area on occasion; expertise in historic preservation and serves on the Greenway
and Trails Council)
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
The teams listed above were assigned two of the three view zones (K, L, or M) and were told to
analyze the first view zone assigned, and if time allowed, to analyze the second. General
instructions were given to the groups to drive to the assigned view zone, navigate the area by car to
get oriented, and then find a safe place to park within a reasonable distance of the areas highlighted
for analysis on the assigned view zone maps. The following instructions were given to each group:
VIEWSHED IN-THE-FIELD ANALYSIS FORM
This form is to be used for analyzing the views in your assigned view zone. Please follow the instructions
below and answer the questions in this form.
In addition to this form, we have provided you with additional forms, maps, and note-paper on which you
should document the following (if relevant):
Views within the study area, but not in your assigned view zone--Be thinking about the quality of
viewsheds and the related characteristics throughout your journey, including travel between DGI and your
View Zone. If you notice particularly scenic viewsheds anywhere in the Scenic Conservation Plan study area
(i.e. you see something beautiful and it is not highlighted on your View Zone map) we want to know. We also
want to know about areas with particularly unpleasant views or features that significantly detract from a
view. Please document these elements in a similar fashion as you are for the sights in your assigned View
Zone.
Differences of opinion--If team members are not in agreement about the quality of a view, the attractiveness
of certain features, or other aspects of surveying, please record/document the contrasting viewpoints either
within this form or on a separate note page.
Instructions 1. Drive to the View Zone
Make note of & photograph any particularly pleasant scenery along your way
Make note of & photograph any particularly unpleasant scenery or characteristics that
detract from scenery
2. Find a safe place to park within a reasonable distance of the areas highlighted on the map
3. Make your way around your assigned View Zone (on foot, if safe and access is available, by car, or
both ways, to give you a full understanding of how the view can be accessed and aspects from which
it can be seen). Think about the following questions and then proceed to answer the questions on the
following pages.
How can the views be accessed?
Is access difficult or limited? Why?
Is access for a particular mode of transport better than for others? Why?
Make note of and photograph particularly pleasant views (and viewing points)
Make note of and photograph particularly unpleasant views (and viewing points) or
characteristics that detract from a view
This form contains analysis relating to view zone_____________.
This form was filled-out by ____________________________________.
Best View in the View Zone 1. The most beautiful view in this view zone that we were able to see is located… Please identify
approximately the area you are viewing and the location from which you are viewing on map. Also,
please supplement with verbal description)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
I have taken a photo of this view and it is my ________image of the day; the view location is indicated as
_______on the map.
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
2. The view was visible / accessible by ______________ (e.g. bicycle, walking/hiking, roadway, trail, all of
the above, etc.).
3. Please explain how immediately visible the view is:
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
4. Based on your familiarity with the Brandywine Valley and its environs, on a scale of 0 to 4 how do
you rate this view? (0 = not valuable scenery compared to other views I know of in the Brandywine
Valley, 1 = scenery below average quality compared to other views in the area, 2 = scenery of average
quality compared to other views in the area, 3 = scenery of above average quality compared to other
views in the area, 4 = scenery of the highest quality in the area.
5. The specific characteristics of this viewshed that leads me to give it the above rating are…
(please select one or more characteristics and explain specifics in adjacent space)
a. ___historic features
b. ___well-preserved and pristine nature
c. ___unique/special vegetation
d. ___ visual composition (unity or contrast)
e. ___setting
f. ___viewshed expanse
g. ___ topography
h. ___topography
i. ___other
6. This viewshed could be improved/enhanced by…
a. (Please explain below, considering factors such as unsightly signage, proximity to
disjointed/clashing land uses, planting more trees, etc.)
The previous six questions were also asked in regard to the second and third best views
Particularly Unpleasant Views 1. I noticed the following unpleasant views or characteristics of views in the view zone… Please
identify approximately the area you are viewing and the location from which you are viewing on
map. Also, please supplement with verbal description)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________I have taken a photo of the above and it is my
________image of the day; the view location is indicated as _______on the map.
2. Please indicate what is particularly unpleasant and to what degree you think the view could be
improved, and also please explain how it could be improved.
Other aspects of scenery I noticed Certain details of the landscape/scenery I noticed, which are particularly appealing:
I have taken a photograph of the above element and it is the ____________photo of the day. The viewshed
(subject) and the viewing point from which the subject was viewed are indicated on the map
as_____________________________.
Please share anything else relating to scenic quality and your experiences today that you think may be of
interest with regard to scenic characteristics and qualities of the Brandywine Valley area.
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
FINDINGS
Group 1 Findings for Zones K and L
Best View: view from water tower on Smith Bridge Rd. overlooking Granogue and Jamie Wyeth property
Rating: 4/4; scenery is of the highest quality in the area, based on familiarity with the
Brandywine Valley
Valuable Characteristics: Historic features, well-preserved and pristine nature, visual composition, setting,
viewshed expanse, and topography
Second Best View: Smiths Bridge Rd. near the bridge and along the floodplain
Rating: 4/4; scenery is of the highest quality in the area, based on familiarity with the
Brandywine Valley
Valuable Characteristics: Historic features, well-preserved and pristine nature, visual composition, setting,
viewshed expanse, and topography
Third Best View: Ramsey Road and Creek Road looking along the Brandywine
Rating: 4/4; scenery is of the highest quality in the area, based on familiarity with the
Brandywine Valley
Valuable Characteristics: well-preserved and pristine nature, visual composition, setting, viewshed
expanse, and topography
Group 2 Findings for Zone L and M
Best View: Approximately where Smith Bridge Road crosses the railroad tracks (houses on SE side and
railroad on NW side), looking up toward Granogue
Rating: 4/4; scenery is of the highest quality in the area, based on familiarity with the
Brandywine Valley
Valuable Characteristics: the long views, historic feature (remnants of rail signage), well-preserved and
pristine nature (open space/farmland), unique/special vegetation, visual
composition, topography
Opportunities for
enhancement:
improved access, including vehicle parking, bike/walking paths, possibly monthly
periods of restricted auto access; perhaps the railroad right of way may
eventually provide room for ped/bike trail?
Other: The view is accessible by roadway, including biking. Walking would be
difficult/dangerous with little shoulder room on the road;
In leaf-off season, direct views are seen from the road. Views are likely
blocked or partially blocked in full foliage seasons
Second Best View: Beaver Valley Road at Beaver Dam Road
Rating: 3/4; scenery of above average quality compared to other views in the area
Valuable Characteristics: historic features; well-preserved/pristine nature; unique/special vegetation;
viewshed expanse; small Woodlawn Trustees parking area available with view of
old mill house and the creek
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
Group 3 Findings for Zone M
Best View (Tie): From the hilltop of Woodlawn Trustees property (across from Ramsey Farm) looking west
over the Brandywine to Granogue
Rating: 4/4; scenery is of the highest quality in the area, based on familiarity with the
Brandywine Valley
Valuable Characteristics: the long/wide views, historic features (nearby boarded up farm house), well-
preserved and pristine nature, visual composition, setting, topography
Other: It was unclear whether the property was public or private when the
group originally accessed the area
Best View (difference
of opinion):
Stream along Beaver Valley Road toward Ridge Road intersection where
elevation changes and there is a waterfall
Second Best View: Beaver Valley Road with creek and grassy area protected by rocks, with waterfall across
the road
Rating: ¾; scenery of above average quality compared to other views in the area
Valuable Characteristics: historic features; well-preserved/pristine nature; topography
Second Best View (difference of opinion): Beaver Valley Road at Beaver Dam Road, looking down on the
old mill house from the west (up on the hill)
Rating: 3/4; scenery of above average quality compared to other views in the area
Valuable Characteristics: historic features; well-preserved/pristine nature; topography (unique viewing
aspect)
Third Best View: emerging from the woods on the Woodlawn Trustees Trail, heading toward the old mill
house at Beaver Valley Road/Beaver Dam Road intersection
Rating: 3/4
Valuable Characteristics: historic features (red barn glimpsed through trees); well-preserved/pristine
nature; unique/special vegetation (erosion control fields)
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
APPENDIX C: LIST OF SCENIC VIEWS FROM THE CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN
The following list of high quality views is from Chapter 5 (pages 5-21 to 5-23) of the Corridor
Management Plan. The list was informed by the Brandywine Valley Scenic River and Highway Study,
published by New Castle County in 1987.
HIGH-QUALITY VIEWS ON KENNETT PIKE
Brook Valley Road
Between Brook Valley Road and Campbell Road (Route 82), the open landscape and wetlands of the
scenic Twin Lakes property are clearly visible. It is the first large DuPont estate and open space on
the Byway as you leave the village of Greenville and head out into the countryside. Five generations
of DuPont s have lived here and the viewshed has remained largely the same. Sixty two acres of the
property was recently sold to the State of Delaware to preserve it as open space. Children and
families can be seen skating on the ponds, creating a bucolic winter scene. This view still retains the
characteristics that identified it as a visual accent in the Brandywine Valley Scenic River and
Highway Study published by New Castle County in 1987. For about 200 years a colonial pear tree
grew near the entrance to Twin Lakes and became a landmark on the Scenic Byway. The old tree
was patched and repaired with cement, but it finally came down in 1967. A new pear tree grows in
its place from the old roots. The old pear tree was carefully avoided when the road shoulders were
widened and was allowed to remain as an historic landscape feature.
Canby Park
The pasture north of Center Meeting Road and Twaddell Mill Road is a scenic view that was not
identified in the 1987 study. Despite that fact, this view is significant because it includes a grassland
meadow, an important environmental feature.
Lower Brandywine Church
Lower Brandywine Church and Cemetery
between Old Kennett Road and Pyles Ford
Road is a significant historic resource as well
as a high-quality view. The church, the
cemetery, and the trees on the property
(especially oaks and cherries) were identified
as visual accents in 1987. North of the Lower
Brandywine Cemetery is a view of a pond,
long meadow, and nineteenth-century barn.
This view is one of the most reproduced
scenes along the byway.
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
Snuff Mill Road
North of Snuff Mill Road is a
pasture that was once associated
with the Oberod estate and
extensive property that includes
the Lunger mansion built in the
late 1920s. The 1987 study identifies this location as a vista point.
Wilmington Country Club and
Winterthur
Views east toward Wilmington
Country Club and Winterthur
between Campbell Road and Pyles
Ford Road were identified in the
1987 study as one of the scenic
highlights of the area.
HIGH-QUALITY VIEWS ON MONTCHANIN ROAD
Many of the views along Montchanin Road are enclosed by trees. Locations of open views include
the following:
Brandywine Creek State Park / Winterthur
A series of views between Adams Dam Road
and the railroad bridge at Guyencourt Road is
highly significant to the character of the byway. The 1 study identified this area as one of the most powerful and visually significant
landforms in all of Delaware: the Great
Broadloaf Hill opposite the Adams Dam Road intersection. Other visual accents identified in the 1987 study include a large white oak tree, a
grove of tulip, beech, and oak trees, and two
SCENIC CONSERVATION PLAN, BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS REPORT
bridges. Although the bridges at this intersection have now been replaced, the new bridges evoke
the character of earlier bridges.
Smith’s Bridge Road
The 1987 study identifies the intersection of Montchanin Road and Smith s Bridge Road as perhaps the most visually significant crossroads landscape of the entire area… [T]his juncture features a
wealth of field, forest, swampland, large trees, stone bridges, and old buildings and barns.
Twaddell Mill Road
Views north of Twaddell Mill Road near the Delaware-Pennsylvania state line include a grassland
meadow. Although this view was not identified in the 1987 study, it appears to meet criteria for a
scenic view.